Theoretical model of the effect of dimple on friction behavior in hydrodynamic lubrication regime

Abstract

In this paper, full-film lubrication between the rigid smooth and dimpled surfaces was addressed. A theoretical model is developed to study the effect of a dimple on friction where the smooth surface is rotating while the dimpled surface is at rest. To simplify the problem, the magnified dimple cell is investigated along with some assumptions. Because dimples deploy periodically along with the x and y directions, the lubricant pressure also deploys periodically. A theoretical model can be developed for one cell and then extended to the whole surface. The main goal of this study is to understand the dimple effect on friction in a hydrodynamic lubrication regime. The main applications of this model are several types of bearings (point contact, line contact etc.) and mechanical parts where two surfaces interact in relative motion. Findings the optimum dimensions for the dimples also seem to be one of the interesting research areas in mechanization of agricultural and renewable energy sources.